The Indian Navy strengthened its maritime partnership with Indonesia through a three-day port visit by ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) at Belawan Port in January 2026. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral ties, mutual understanding, and professional cooperation between the two navies. Indian naval ships, including INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, participated in a series of engagements with the Indonesian Navy. These activities included official meetings, professional exchanges, ship visits, and joint cultural and sports events that fostered camaraderie among officers, sailors, and cadets. Indian naval trainees also visited Indonesian naval facilities to gain insights into regional maritime operations. A formal reception hosted onboard one of the Indian ships, attended by senior Indonesian naval officials, further reinforced goodwill and strengthened professional relationships between the two forces.
The visit highlights the growing maritime cooperation between India and Indonesia, two key partners in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. It aligns with India’s “Act East” policy, which emphasizes deeper engagement with Southeast Asia, particularly in the areas of maritime security, training, and capacity building. Such interactions contribute to promoting stability, safety, and a rules-based maritime order in the region. The port call also reflects the shared commitment of both countries to expanding naval diplomacy, enhancing interoperability, and addressing common maritime challenges through cooperation. Overall, the visit reaffirmed the strong and friendly ties between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy, underscoring their shared vision for a peaceful, secure, and collaborative maritime environment.
